Have you ever wondered what your home would look like had you chosen a different decor theme ? After all the colors are picked out and all the decorations are in place, it can be difficult to imagine it any other way (at least until you decide to do it all over again). But this interior designer used visualization software to explore this concept even further – this post tours two homes with the exact same compact floor plan but two completely different themes and arrangements. The first home is bright and casual with an eternally spring-like atmosphere, but the second home is darker and moodier with a more refined aesthetic.
Simple natural influences make this apartment feel as bright as a fresh spring day. Pastel greens, sunny yellows, and lots of light wood bring the outdoors in – and sometimes the theme goes even further, like adding fake grass to the top of the ottomans you see snugly tucked beneath the table here in the living room.
Elsewhere, the earthy and organic theme pops with modern geometric accents like these lovely sculptures. It’s all a matter of balance and thematic contrast.
Because this apartment has an open layout, the spot-on color coordination is a huge asset to the visual continuity of the space. While color blocking is the easier and more flexible route, this carefully curated apartment is a perfectionist’s dream.
While color flourishes at every turn, it’s important to note that the accents will be easy to change later. The insides of the cabinets, for example, are easy to make with DIY paper inserts.
One of the bolder details is this mossy vertical garden wedged into this central wall. It’s actually a housing to contain the refrigerator but becomes a stunning large form sculpture with this aesthetic addition.
The moss-covered wall also helps provide some division between the kitchen and living room. Here, the dining table finds a sensible home.
And we cannot ignore this backsplash. Its photographic quality matches the “sunny spring day” theme, transporting the viewer to the lens of a camera covered with morning dew.
The private areas of the home are accessible by the mirror-covered hallway. Extra storage space hides behind each reflective door.
This entryway niche is just too perfect. It has plenty of space to sit, with convenient coat hooks and stylish shoe storage concealed beneath.
Now onto the bedrooms! This master suite tones down the theme present throughout the rest of the house, using a palette of greys and teals to create a relaxing environment for the parents after a long day of work.
Rather than the sunny springtime theme of the main living space, this bedroom adopts a more rainy day vibe. It’s easy to imagine picking these colors from a photograph of a foggy morning on the lake.
The bedroom for the children brings back the bright colors in a big way. Bold blue accents – that double as chalkboards – are just bursting with energy.
The other side of the room has so many admirable features. The modular wall panels are modern design goals, and the smart storage in the staircase and beneath the bed are just too perfect. We love how the lofted bed makes space for a small playroom.
And the desk is super-functional too. Open shelves, lots of drawers, and the fun office supply organizers help the kids stay neat and tidy while working on assignments for school.
Wow – the efficiency of this bathroom is breathtaking, but the way it continues the natural theme from the rest of the home is impressive as well.
And the other bathroom also adopts a nature-inspired palette, this time with a red clay tone. It’s warm and comforting and includes just a touch of wood to bring it back in line with the overall home aesthetic.
All of the sources of hidden lighting banish shadows and make the room feel larger. The strip of inset lighting above the bathtub almost looks like sunlight!
The second home starts with a much more subdued color theme, this time in all in the blue spectrum, almost like a lake or a foggy evening. It combines linear and rounded forms, playing with geometric contrast at every turn. Like the previous home, this one revolves around an F-shaped floor plan but uses an entirely different arrangement.
The open living room and dining room are more connected in this home visualization than the last. Rather than a dining table, this space makes use of a handsome breakfast bar attached to a longer kitchen island.
Geometric tiles and open cabinets make the kitchen feel connected to the rest of the interior. Patterned pillows and a cylindrical table bring the geometric theme to the living room.
The wall sconces are so cute! Triangles of yellow paint bring them in line with the rest of the open layout theme.
Just look at that incredible transition between wood floors and hexagonal tiles! Expert woodworking isn’t cheap or easy, but the result is unforgettable.
The master bedroom includes gorgeous triangular wall panels, sure to play with the pendant lights after dark.
Even the media wall continues the geometric theme.
And here’s the kid’s bedroom, complete with two pegboard walls: one for climbing and one for hanging artwork.
Adorable hot-air balloons and infinitely creative pegboards ensure this bedroom caters to the imagination before anything else.
So cute!
The pegboard wall and tall chalkboard leave so much room for imaginative play. The child can practice their ABCs or arrange artwork on the pegs, while keeping track of homework right beyond the desk.
Of course, the bathroom is innovative and efficient too.
Sandy patterns and river rocks foster a desert-like atmosphere, with a lush green rug serving as a sort of oasis and irresistible focal point.
While low beds are famously associated with Japanese design , they’re beginning to catch on in modern design circles - and for those whose knees can handle them, low beds have several benefits. First, starting the day with a deep stretch and mild workout can get the blood pumping to fight off grogginess, and the cool temperature near the floor is a major plus for hot sleepers. Some small bedrooms can gain a sense of spaciousness from a low-profile look. And if storage isn’t a concern, removing empty space means one less place for dust to settle. Check out the inspirational beds below for even more reasons to consider going low!
Designer:Roche Bobois
When it comes to frames and platforms, low beds seem to have a more diverse range of untraditional styles. Technically one could add a typical box frame but the sleek effect would definitely feel a tiny bit diminished.
Visualizer:Solonge Scherazad
Check out this comfortable bohemian bedroom! Low furniture is a huge part of this aesthetic, often accompanied by layered rugs and plush ottomans. This is a space where every angle and every surface looks equally appropriate for lounging.
Designer:LMD Studio| Photographer:Karel Balas
Thick slabs of salvaged lumber offer a bed platform solution that anyone could DIY given enough space and access to properly treated wood. This natural and eco-friendly solution looks like a million dollars.
Visualizer:Albert Mizuno
Can you imagine rolling out of bed and straight into a warm bath? Low-profile furniture doesn’t have to look casual, as this ultra-luxury bedroom demonstrates.
Visualizer:Albert Mizuno
Low seated beds are also a good option for beds positioned in the center of a room, like this one. It doesn’t obstruct the view and enhances the sense of spaciousness even further.
Visualizer:Zrobym Architects
A wooden platform with a brick and chain link headboard make for a very cool industrial bedroom theme. It’s not too rugged, but just perfect for a relaxing space that has a touch of attitude.
Visualizer:Marc Canut
Minimalistic but still exceptionally warm – this low platform bed is the perfect centerpiece to a clean and focused room.
Architect:Sanuki + Nishizawa
This low bed looks even lower thanks to its wooden housing. The distinctive lip around the edge prevents it from looking like just another bed frame.
Source:Amazon
If your home already has plenty of storage, sweeping or vacuuming around a low lip like this would make bedroom cleanup a breeze compared to trying to wrestle a vacuum hose beneath the bed.
Via:Fine Minimalism
Here’s the same bed frame style in white.
Visualizer:Tuisuz
Camouflage rug, exposed beams, and an earthy bedding color scheme come together to create a style that feels close to the earth – a popular motivation for seeking out low bedding.
Visualizer:Andriy Voskolovich
Although the floor plan is actually very spacious, its width would seem more restricted if the large bed were taller. Sometimes a low-profile bed can make a room feel larger in unexpected ways.
Visualizer:KYDE architects
The platform portions of this bed are upholstered but not too soft, equally suited for use as a table or a chair.
Visualizer:ON Design
Who would want to obscure such dramatic and detailed plasterwork? The soft headboard portion of this bed doubles as a backrest without covering up too much of the impressive artwork.
Visualizer:Anna Marinenko
Here, a high headboard offers a little privacy from outside while the residents are in bed but doesn’t block the view of the landscape for anybody walking through the bedroom.
Via:Wall321
Let’s wind the article down by reviewing a few of the design techniques a low bed can facilitate. This one beautifully adapts to the low and wide balance of the room.
Visualizer:Penint Design Studio
This low bed allows the incredible geometric backdrop to take center stage.
Visualizer:he.D Creative Group
Clearly this room prioritizes coziness above anything else. The ultra-plush platform makes the bed look unbelievably soft and dreamy. There’s not a hard line to be found.
Visualizer:Lada Kamyshanska
Finally, perhaps the most popular reason anybody opts for a low bed, these simple frames boast the perfect balance of functionality and minimalist appeal.
Are you loving these sleek low beds and feel ready to explore your options? This bed is available through the “buy” link above, or you could check out one of the many inexpensive
low platform beds
Visualizer:Iqosa
One of the biggest complaints about low beds is that they can leave the overall room looking “unfinished”. This bed approaches this dilemma in two ways: artwork and included side tables are both great ways to complete the circuit of visual continuity.
Visualizer:Alberto Maciel
In bedrooms that feature large format artwork, a low bed stays out of the way. But this one still makes a subtle but tasteful impression with the luxurious layering of dark wood and plush fabric.
Visualizer:Twin Hongtruc
This entire raised platform serves as a piece of casual furniture, complete with a coffee table and writing desk. Those who prefer to sit on the floor might find this type of solution more in-line with a specific room’s aesthetic.
Visualizer:Twin Hongtruc
Here’s another visualization of the same room, this time demonstrating an updated take on traditional Asian home design.
Visualizer:Twin Hongtruc
Low beds are especially perfect for young children. It’s a little less scary to transition to a “big kid bed” when it’s comfortable and low to the floor, and falling off during sleep or while playing becomes far less of a threat.
Visualizer:Twin Hongtruc
You may recognize this bedroom as another interpretation of the previous one, this time with a decor theme more suitable for a playful adult or a teenager. We can’t get enough of these attached writing desks!
Visualizer:Twin Hongtruc
One thing you might notice about these low beds is all the room they leave for visual decoration that reaches toward the ceiling. A grand tall bed might overwhelm beautiful details like these.
Visualizer:Michel Leyraud
Repetition and clean surfaces have a much greater impact when the view is unobscured. The lights to either side of the bed remain just as simple as the rest of the room and help balance the visual weight of the room.
Visualizer:Houzaifa Al Jandali
While this bedroom could definitely accommodate even the tallest and most regal bed, this one sits low on a sleek platform and utilizes the extra space for a decorative accent wall and rows of stylish shelves.
Visualizer:Architype 3D
More than just a bed platform, this unique piece of furniture actually wraps up the wall and serves as a sort of faux canopy of sorts. It makes the low bed feel more like it’s part of the room rather than a standalone feature.
Photographer:Peter A. Sellar
Let’s start with something dramatic! Sunken beds require some pretty serious architectural alterations but the end result is so dreamy. The pup would love how easy it is to crawl into bed for morning snuggles.
Architect:Bernard Khoury| Visualizer:Cleer Design Studio
Here’s another low bed, this time in an even taller room, using a large form print instead of a headboard to draw the eye toward a central point. The oversized pendant light fills in even more of the negative space above. The bedroom chair completes the look.
Visualizer:Curly Studio
This bedroom definitely does a great job managing visual weight. The blue wall and wrap-around beams help the low bed feel perfectly proportioned to the room. The beautiful modern wall sconces add warmth to the room.
Visualizer:Olga Kondratiuk
Then there are walls that simply look too beautiful to cover with a big headboard or tall bed. These slanted panels catch the light, play with it, and evolve as the sun traces through the sky.
Visualizer:Linda Yuliana
Lighting works its magic on the interesting typographical installation behind this bed as well. This is one of the lower beds highlighted so far, practically fully flush with the floor itself.
Visualizer:Sergey Baskakov
Plush padding surrounds this low bed and doubles up as comfortable seating for long evenings with a book and perhaps a glass of wine or pot of tea. Spreading out to watch a movie becomes an experience.
Visualizer:Maxim Nizovkin
Very modern and chic! This bed platform includes drawers beneath, ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to give up their storage space.
Visualizer:Stanislav Borozdinskiy
Another super-sleek space, this time with a platform that serves as an extended side table.
Visualizer:Đình Dũng Hoàng
Low side furniture is incredibly important in rooms with low beds. Maintaining attractive proportions is one of the hardest parts of lowering your sleeping space.
Visualizer:Yuriy Bobak
Low ceilings and lofted bedrooms are an exceptionally good reason to invest in a low bed. A traditional bedframe just wouldn’t be feasible here.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
